Donnie Darko Analysis - Locations & Mise-En-Scene

Donnie Darko Analysis




Within the beginning of the clip, a clear shot of a conventional yellow school bus is established which contributes to the idea of establishing a school environment, along with the teenage males that jump off the bus wearing school uniform as their costume establishing their characters of students.

Conventional Locations:

1. School corridors
2. Playground
3. Lockers
4. Classroom

A sense of separation and cliques is established throughout the clip as the camera pans past the nerds who are seen studying, using books and pens as the props, portraying an image of a strong devotion to their studies and a group of girls who are seen dancing, singing, hugging and smiling, who are all wearing skirts which is stereotypical as not all girls wear skirts all the time  - the 'girly' conventions. The trouble-makers are seen pulling faces to the authority showing a lack of respect and care for the superior. He is seen doing drugs which is considered his prop and establishes him as the care-free student who isn't devoted to his studies.